Celtic Roots Series – gentle walking tours in South East Ireland and Wales

Camino/ Pilgrim & Scenic Trails/Greenway Cycle/ Boat Trips/ Glendalough/ St. Mullins| Mahon Falls/ Dunmore East /Celtic Stories & Song/St David’s Way Coast Path/ Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way/ Sharing the Irish Sea 

 

We are delighted to introduce our Celtic Roots Series as we create a unique tour offering that builds on our shared heritage and connections between Ireland and Wales.

As early as the 4^th century, there was a wave of spiritual energy that passed between our two countries that cradled the emergence of Celtic spirituality as we know it today. Glendalough, St Mullins, Ardmore, St David’s… all invite you to go deeper into our shared Celtic past and discover for yourself the unique appeal of these iconic locations. The real treasure of these places lies buried in the land. Our trails in the steps of those who have passed this way before echo long after we’ve returned home. 

Our ‘Celtic ways in the path of St David’ in Wales is an exciting new addition to our range of Camino offerings and it happens to coincide with a significant anniversary. In 1123 when pilgrims could no longer travel to Jerusalem because of the Crusades, the Pope suggested two other destinations instead – Santiago in Spain and St Davids in Wales. 900 years on and St David’s Way has become one of the most iconic pilgrim trails in the world. 

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is described by Lonely Planet as the finest coast path in the world. Each day takes in cliff-top views, deserted beaches and sweeping vistas over the Irish Sea. A wealth of seabirds are on view, seals and maybe the occasional dolphin, along with 4000-year-old burial chambers, Celtic chapels, holy wells and the great Norman cathedral at St Davids, home to the shrine of the patron saint of Wales.

We are also delighted to launch our new 5 day camino following in the sixth century footsteps of St Aidan as he travelled through Co. Wexford from Ferns to Our Lady’s Island on his way to meet St David. On this 95km pilgrimage we will visit holy wells, grottos to Our Lady, storytelling houses, castles, a re-creation of a Celtic monastery, a beautiful mountain with panoramic views and long sandy beaches before reaching our destination of Our Lady’s Island – the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Ireland going right back to the fifth century and beyond, as this landscape was also sacred to the druids long before the arrival of Christianity. 

GENTLE WALKING HOLIDAY IN IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST

 

Day 1: Waterford – Where Ireland Begins

Aim to arrive by 2pm at the Granville Hotel on the Quays of Waterford at the heart of Ireland’s oldest city. There is free parking for the duration of your stay on the Quays carpark directly across from the hotel.  Will have an hour to settle in to your 4-star accommodation. 

We then take you to experience a unique, bespoke guided tour of the Viking Triangle and Waterford Museum of Treasures, leaving us to the stunning surrounds of the 13th Century Choristers’ Hall. 

Time then to sit down, relax and enjoy our ‘Welcome Reception’ of wine, light canapés and song in the enchanting setting of the 13th Century Choristers’ Hall. This promises to set your Camino experience with us off to the perfect start! 

Return to the hotel each evening for dinner in the award-winning Bianconi Restaurant. 

 

Day 2: Greenway to the Falls

We will begin our day with a gentle stroll on the Waterford Greenway out to one of the moorings alongside the River Suir. Time for a little mindful moment to start our day. No better place than by the river’s edge. 

Our coach will then take us to the Comeragh Mountains. Here, we walk out to the Mahon Falls and then down along the valley to the river’s flow through Crough Woods below. (6km) The Mahon Falls is an 80m waterfall nestled in the Comeragh Mountains. The dramatic waterfall which is surrounded by breathtaking beauty makes this a trip not to be missed. Visitors can also see sheep and goats dotted along the mountainsides.

Time for a light lunch beneath the viaduct in Kilmacthomas. It’s good to slow the pulse right down and soak in the peace and beauty of this tranquil setting on the river’s edge.    

You have a choice of a gentle cycle or a stroll along iconic stretches of the Waterford Greenway. We will have the renowned Greenway Man, Garvan Cummins, on standby to sort us with bikes and to guide us on our way. Whether walking or cycling, we’ll meet up for coffee along the way. 

 

 

Day 3: Valley of the Monks Tour – St Mullins

Move to the rivers flow as you escape to the great outdoors in a way that will live long in the memory.  This day is a journey back in time as we walk in the steps of St Moling and discover the mystical beauty of this pilgrim path. 

Graiguenamanagh is a medieval town dating back to 1204, nestled in a wooded valley between Mt Brandon and the Blackstairs Mountains. From here, we set out on an ancient  7km Camino path by the water’s edge.

Arriving in St Mullins, you immediately feel that you are stepping back in time. This is a village built on an ancient Monastic site. St Moling founded a monastery here at the end of the 7th century. 

There are remains of several churches. These include St Mullin’s Abbey, a medieval nave-and-chancel church with a spiral stairway, and St James’s Chapel, a small oratory dedicated to St. James and the people who stopped here on their way to the camino – Santiago de Compostela. 

Seamus and his team in ‘Blanchfield’s old Irish pub will give us a taste of real Irish hospitality. A day of a difference!

 

Day 4: To the waters and the wild – Dunmore East Cliff Walk and Boat Trip

In the morning, we make our way to Dunmore East for a cliff walk and boat trip. Headland trails, lobster pots, fishing, lunch out in the Bay – Dunmore East is the perfect ‘still zone’ to ease us back to where we belong. The Dunmore East Cliff Walk is perched above the village in silent homage to those who have passed this way for centuries. 

As you walk along the headland, energy ripples in symmetry with the dancing of the waves. What we observe leaves lasting imprints; the magical hues of the azure ocean as it laps onto the flat rocks, the languid majesty of the seal as it basks in the sun, the silhouette of Hook Lighthouse as it peers out through misty skies.

A trip out to sea on return to the harbour completes this experience. Time in ‘The Keltoi Warrior’ is precious time. Brendan takes us on a voyage of discovery, sharing anecdotes on the coves and sea caves, narrowing the lens to absorb the sublime beauty of the miniscule against the towering backdrop of the cliffs. After checking in on the lobster pots and maybe reeling in a mackerel or two, we anchor in at some quiet corner of the Bay. 

Some refreshments by the shoreline to the sound of waves lapping against the brow of the boat… the perfect end to the day discovering the hidden gems along the Waterford Coastline. 

 

Day 5: Glendalough…..in the steps of St. Kevin

On our last day, we have an early check out from the Granville Hotel and travel from Waterford to Glendalough. The earlier we arrive in Glendalough the better so as to avoid the tourist traffic. We can leave as early as the group are happy to. This day, we travel in convoy in our cars so that visitors are free to travel home or connect on to their next destination later. 

Glendalough, a name that echoes around the world as a place of profound beauty and tranquility, is located within a valley of two lakes in Co. Wicklow, Ireland. 

This place is a sacred space, captivate in its beauty and in its serenity. We are joined here by a member of the Tearmann Spirituality team to share the pathway that pilgrims for centuries have trod. In the 6th Century on the lake shore, a Christian hermit named Kevin established a small monastic settlement. This early Christian community became one of the cradles of Celtic spirituality and Irish monasticism. 

After Kevin’s death in 618 AD, a great monastery flourished in the valley right up to the 12th Century. The ruins of this monastic city still remain, with a magnificent round tower, a beautiful 11th Century stone church and the high cross that has guided many a pilgrim home for over a 1,000 years.

It pays to arrive here early ahead of the rush of tourists so that you can experience the serenity for yourself. 

 

Price: €1195* includes….

• 4 nights in the Granville Hotel, Waterford City
• Free car parking.
• Welcoming Reception and Irish Tapas Farewell Dinner.
• Breakfast, lunches and 3 evening dinners in the Granville Hotel as part of your stay.
• Reflective ‘compass points’ each day led by Dr. Phil and Elaine.
• Luxury coach transfers from Waterford City.
• Bike hire, boat trip, entry and guided tours.
• *Single room supplement for the 4 nights €250.

 

These tours are ideal for groups of 12-16 persons. For more information email Phil and Elaine at info@celticwaysireland.com for further details and to check availability.

 

 

ST. DAVID’S WAY – PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES

Follow in the sixth century footsteps of St Aidan as he travelled through Pembrokeshire to meet up with his mentor and friend St David in the smallest city in Britain. This pilgrimage follows the Pembrokeshire National Park Coast Path where we visit holy wells, Celtic churches, stunning cliffs and beaches, along with picturesque coves and fishing villages before arriving at the magnificent medieval cathedral at St. Davids.  St. David’s Way is the Welsh stage of the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way and you can find out more at https://wexfordpembrokeshirepilgrimway.org 

 

Day 1: Coast path walk from Llanwnda to Garn Fawr

Early morning Stena Line crossing from Rosslare to Fishguard. Check in at the Terminal in Rosslare at 6.30am sharp. The crossing takes 3.5 hours and we should be ready to disembark by 11am. 

(Note: Car parking at the Terminal is 5 euro per day. Given the early departure, you may wish to travel down the night before and stay in a local guesthouse or hotel. We can recommend some closer to the time.)

On arrival in Fishguard, we will take a short coach transfer to the Celtic Church at Llanwnda with its holy well and nearby neolithic burial chamber for the start of our day’s Camino. From here, we take our first steps out onto the way of St David, a stunning coastal path etched into the land by pilgrims and adventurers alike over the centuries. The walk along the coastline is simply breath-taking.  

Here, by the sea, it’s not the destination that matters. More the steps in between… taking our time to soak in the beauty and the story of this magical space. En route, we pass the site of the last invasion of Britain in 1797, we discover hidden coves and the lighthouse at Strumble Head. It’s the perfect spot for our packed lunch as it offers us a panoramic view of the Irish Sea beneath the towering cliffs. 

Mid afternoon, we’ll do the last 5 km of our opening stage of St David’s Way onto the volcanic hill of Garn Fawr with a hermit’s cell and sweeping views west to St Davids and north over the sea to Ireland. We finish the day with the famous poem if Pwll Deri, inspired by the amazing seascape that opens up before us. 

All being well, we should be ready to take our coach transfer at 5.30pm to St David’s Cross Hotel for check-in and shower before evening dinner in the hotel. 

 

Day 2: The cliff path from a woollen mills to the beach at Abereiddy

After breakfast we take a 9am coach transfer to Melin Tregwynt Woollen Mill. The story behind the Woollen Mill is remarkable, having previously been owned and run by a local family, the last remaining members of the dynasty have handed it over to the team of locals who have worked in the Mill over the past few decades. It now is owned and operated by an Employees Ownership Trust and draws visitors from near and far with the profits shared among the members of the Trust. We take a short guided tour followed by a cuppa before we start out on our walk at 10.15am. 

This day will leave visual imprints that stay with you long after the walking is over. The vistas that open up around each winding bend have a beauty beyond words as we traverse the clifftop and beach walks on this most rugged and wild Celtic landscape. Rocky headlands, seabirds and maybe seals and the occasional dolphin too. There’s an energy here that seeps through the pores. It the perfect space for mindful moments of story and stillness led by local mindfulness guide Ailsa Richardson.  

We stop at Carreg Samson – a 4000 year old burial chamber near Abercastle and then walk on to Trefin the birthplace of two Archruids of Wales and the inspiration for the haunting poem – Melin Trefin. The last stage of our walk passes through the beautiful Porthgain harbour with its intriguing nineteenth century history before a short walk across along the headland and begin our descent onto the beach at Abereiddy.

We take our coach transfer back to St David’s Cross Hotel before evening dinner in Bishop’s Bar and Restaurant across the road from the hotel. 

 

 

Day 3: From beach to beach – Coastal path to Whitesands Bay

This stage continues along the cliff path as we make our way to the peak of Carn Llidi where legend has it St Patrick was given his mission to Ireland by an angel. Again the vista as we come into White Sands is stunning. We hope to finish our walk with lunch by the sea and give you the space to relax and soak in the beauty of this area… you might like a swim or to go kayaking out in the bay or a cuppa in the cafe nearby. Or simply take your seat on the cliff side and take in the wonder of it all. 

We’ll enjoy a chilled few hours in Whitesands before making our way back to St David’s Cross Hotel. In the evening, we’ll take a coach transfer to Fishguard for evening dinner in Peppers Art Gallery & Restaurant before a night cap in the local Royal Oak. 

 

Day 4: Whitesands to Saint Davids

Holy wells, a hill fort, a stone circle and one of the finest cathedrals in Europe.

We set out from the site of the sixth century St Patrick’s chapel at Whitesands beach before completing the pilgrimage by walking into the smallest city in Britain – St Davids. On the way we stop at a series of holy wells, taking time to reflect on how they refreshed pilgrims on their way to St Davids. 

We will rest by the shoreline at St Nons where St David – the patron saint of Wales – was born during a storm in the 6th century before making our way to St. David’s Cathedral for a short, guided tour.  After lunch in a beautifully restored space adjoining the cathedral, Ty’r Pererin, we have the afternoon off to stroll the streets of this quaint Welsh city, with time for shopping or a wee beverage. After all the walking, you owe it to yourself!

We’ll have time to return to the hotel to freshen up before heading out for our Gala Dinner in the Bishop’s Refectory at the cathedral. If we time it right, we may make Evensong in the Cathedral before dinner. It is something not to be missed!

 

Day 5: RETURN TO IRELAND

We’ll have time for some shopping in St David’s before we make our way to the Terminal for the 13:00 departure. Arrive back at Rosslare by 16:30.

 

Price: €1195* includes….

• 4 nights bed and breakfast in St David’s Cross Hotel. 
• Packed lunches each day. 
• Dinner each evening… Day 1: St David’s Cross Hotel, Fishguard, Day 2: The Bishop’s Bar and Restaurant, St David’s, Day 3: Peppers Art Gallery & Restaurant, Fishguard and Day 4: Gala Dinner in The Bishop’s Refectory, St. David’s. 
• Coach transfers to our starting point and collection point each day. 
• Our team of guest guides including Iain Tweedale (Journeying UK), Ailsa Richardson (Mindful Coach) and David Pepper (British Pilgrimage Trust). 
• Guided tour of St. David’s Cathedral. 
• Music on our final night provided by local musician and songwriter Jess Ward. 
• Return ferry crossing (Rosslare-Fishguard-Rosslare). 
• Note: Single Room Supplement comes in at 250 euro.
• Note: Kayaking can be arranged for an additional supplement. 

These tours are ideal for groups of 12-16 persons. 

 

Departure Dates for 2024:

• May 26th-30th 

Please email us at info@celticwaysireland.com for further details and to check availability.

 

ST. AIDAN’S WAY – WEXFORD, IRELAND

Follow in the sixth century footsteps of St Aidan as he travelled through Co. Wexford, from Ferns to Our Lady’s Island on his way to meet St David of Wales. We have slightly adapted the 95km pilgrimage route, to allow more time to explore the places of special interest along the route and walk the parts that are most scenic, quiet and enjoyable. The maximum walking day will be about 10 kilometres. The walking is on quiet roads, woodland tracks and along the beach. We will visit holy wells, grottos to Our Lady, storytelling houses, castles, a re-creation of a Celtic monastery, a beautiful mountain with panoramic views and long sandy beaches before reaching our destination of Our Lady’s Island. This is the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Ireland going right back to the fifth century and beyond, as this landscape was also sacred to the druids long before the arrival of Christianity. On the way we will sample legendary Irish hospitality with music and storytelling and we will meet a host of fascinating people who live and work along the Way for an experience of a lifetime.

St Aidan’s Way is the Irish stage of the Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way and you can find out more at https://wexfordpembrokeshirepilgrimway.org 

 

Day 1: St Mogues Well in Ferns to the Tulach a’tSolais monument at Oulart

Ferns is the ancient capital of Leinster and this is where St. Aidan established his monastery after returning from his studies in Wales under St David. We start the pilgrimage at St Mogue’s Well where we take a bottle of holy water to our destination at Our Lady’s Island. Then we head for Oulart Hill and the magnificent passage-tomb monument at Tsulach a’tSolais, pausing on the way to view a ‘fairy fort’ and Celtic cross. We end the day at the Story Teller’s House where a local guide will share stories and some local history with us as we drink tea and eat cake prepared just for us.
(The day is about 7km of easy walking).

 

Day 2: Experience a Celtic monastic settlement and walk on Forth Mountain

We start the day with a visit and moment of reflection at St. David’s Holy well in Oilgate. St David regularly visited St Aidan in Ferns and this holy well is named after him, the Patron Saint of Wales. From there we move on to the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig, for a guided tour of the beautiful recreation of a Celtic monastic settlement including a Celtic high cross and church. The afternoon is spent walking along woodland trails up Forth Mountain. Here we will have our picnic lunch and enjoy panoramic views from Carrigfoyle Rock and see the plains below heading south to Our Lady’s Island. On the way home we end up at Oylgate where Raphael’s Healing Gardens provides a place for pilgrims to stop and consider their reasons for coming on the pilgrimage.
(The day is about 10km of easy walking with some slight inclines).

 

Day 3: A contemplative beach and woodland walk on the Raven

Beginning at Raven Wood Nature reserve, we walk through the beautiful woodland, never far from the sound of the sea close by. This day is an immersive experience of nature and the perfect place for walking prayerfully, stopping for reflection and a picnic. We emerge out of the forest onto Curracloe beach to experience a different type of landscape, with the option of returning on foot to our accommodation if you would like a longer walk. (The day is about 8km of easy walking).

 

Day 4: Johnstown Castle to Our Lady’s Island 

This day begins with a tour of Johnstown Castle, that is home to the Irish Agricultural Museum, where we discover more on the importance of bees which were also central to the story of St Aidan and St David. We will then walk towards the sacred landscape of Our Lady’s Island. The island was connected to the mainland in Norman times and is a brackish lagoon that is home to thousands of seabirds and to Ireland’s oldest centre of pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady. In a fitting end to the day we process around the island, like thousands of pilgrims before us stopping at stations and at the holy well where we return the holy water collected from St Mogue’s Well in Ferns to complete this cycle of holy water in this beautiful Celtic ‘thin place.” We complete our walk of pilgrimage in the final short walk to the sea shore, where we can spend a little time of reflection and thanksgiving for the journey we have completed. It is perhaps also an opportunity to allow and accept the journey that lies ahead and the invitation it offers.
In the evening we will be treated to a special night of Taizé music performed by members of the Island of Ireland Peace Choir.
(The day is about 8km of easy walking).

 

Day 5: A walk of gratitude and thanksgiving

On our final day we will have a leisurely breakfast and then share prayers and reflections on the beautiful beach outside Ballyvaloo. Our final walk together will be a time of thanksgiving and honouring our journeying together and the fellowship and friendship we have shared. After a blessing, we will say goodbye and begin our journeys home or across the water into Pembrokeshire, for those who wish to continue St Aidan’s Journey and walk the pilgrimage route in Wales along St David’s Way.

 

Price: GB£1175 (€1354) includes….book through our partners at Journeying at: https://www.journeying.co.uk/book

• 5 nights bed and breakfast at Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre. 
• Packed lunches each day. 
• Dinner each evening. 
• Coach transfers to our starting point and collection point each day. 
• Our team of partner guides including Cheryl (Pepper) Tetmar and Jo Reed (from our partners at Journeying).

 

Departure Dates for 2024:

• April 28th-May 3rd

Please email us at info@celticwaysireland.com for further details and to check availability.

 

These tours are ideal for groups of 12-16 persons. For more information email Phil and Elaine at info@celticwaysireland.com for further details and to check availability.